Fittingly, we met up with Thor (aka Nick Green) on a Thursday. Because Nick is such a committed father and husband, we found our Thursday slot shrinking as we discussed where to meet for my long longed-for interview with this top children’s author (who deserves so much more exposure, not to mention fame and piles of money).
Nick suggested the Tate Modern, as that’s where some most interesting goings-on go on in Cat’s Cradle, the third book in his CatKin trilogy which will be published this autumn. But we had no time for that. Luckily he passed on the roof of St Paul’s, which wouldn’t have suited me at all. Then he tempted me with the Greater London House, his inspiration for the books, but we still fell on the family hurdle, so eventually settled for the orchid grove at the Euston Ibis. One wants something to appear to grow out of a person’s head in photos, and orchids are fine.
What all this tells you is how far back the writing comes in Nick’s life, and I admire him even more for that. But he did travel all the way into London to see us, despite it being his day when he doesn’t come into the office. To make up for his sacrifices, I bought him one of the hotel’s coffee’s (sic).
He met us off the train, and while the Photographer worried I wouldn’t recognise him, she was surprised when he turned out to be this posh spoken teenager, lounging against the wall near the left luggage. (He did offer to carry our bags for free, but we didn’t have enough bags.) The Resident IT Consultant was also there, for several minutes, before I dispatched him to take pictures of Mornington Crescent and the Greater London House. Needless to say the two boys immediately launched into a discussion on tube stations. As you do.
While the very slow getting of the coffee was happening, Nick advised the Photographer on how to be a Trekkie, so no end to the nerdiness. And he is so polite! And nice.
Then I interviewed and pictures were taken. Nick is far too quiet about his work, so it’s a good thing I can do some shouting. After all, I have read more of his books than he has had published, so I know what I’m talking about.
Don’t go away! The interview will be along. Some time this year…
We are rarely in agreement when it comes to books and writing, but this is an exception: Nick is indeed a fine writer, and I hope that your support helps to bring him the wide readership he deserves.
We spoke about you, but only in the fairest terms.
Oh, I’m disappointed. You need to get over being so nice. Remember how popular Dr. House has proved!
We weren’t that nice! Just fair.
Can’t wait to see the interview. The CatKin books are just wonderful.
Michelle Lovric
Aha, I get it. Well, go ahead and lambast my fiction: teasing is so unfair!